Best Family Friendly Beaches in Newport Beach

The Upper Newport Bay is a part of a 1000-acre natural and ecological reserve, and is one of the largest estuaries in Southern California. In 1975, this land was purchased by the state of California and eventually became an Orange County regional park. This bay’s highlight is the San Diego Creek, which flows through the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary and connects to the Pacific Ocean. The park also features the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, an educational facility with historical exhibits and interactive displays. Although this bay is different from your typical beach scene, it is a great destination for those who want a more intimate encounter with nature.

Located at the northern end of the Balboa Peninsula, the West Jetty View Beach is known by the locals as “The Wedge”, and is one of the most popular surfing spots in Southern California. This beach features a long jetty that runs across the water, which is what creates the large waves that can reach up to 30 feet. This spot has been featured in a PBS documentary and has also been mentioned in Bruce Brown’s Endless Summer and All Time Low’s Let it Roll. The history of this beach goes all the way back to the 1920s, and its legacy as a prime Southern California surfing spot carries on to this day.

Located in Newport Beach in Southern California, Newport Municipal Beach is one of the beaches most popular with families in the area because of its clear waters, expansive sands, and picturesque pier. 

Located in the northernmost part of Crystal Cove State Park, Little Treasure Cove is a hidden gem often overshadowed by Newport Coast’s more popular beaches. The beach is best to visit during low tide to fully experience the beauty of its rocky coastline and abundant tide pools.  

Located on the western end of the Newport Bay, 19th Street Beach is a small beach that overlooks the harbor. Because this spot is less known to the public, this beach is more secluded and is perfect for those looking to avoid a crowd. There is a collection of small boats that are docked near the beach, and you can often see yachts passing by in the bay. Although there are no lifeguards or public restrooms at this location, you can take a short walk to Marina Park, where you’ll find bathrooms and a large playground. To get to this spot, there is paid metered parking along Balboa Blvd but you can find free spots in the nearby residential neighborhood.

Located below the Cameo Shores community in the southern region of Corona Del Mar, Cameo Shores Beach is the perfect place for a relaxing beach day. Because it can only be reached by the public by walking south along a rocky shoreline from Little Corona Del Mar Beach, Cameo Shores Beach is uncrowded, peaceful, and stress-free. 

Set on 110 acres of beachfront property, the Dunes Waterfront is Newport Beach’s largest luxury beach resort. There are ocean-view cottages in addition to an RV park where visitors can stay and enjoy views of the beach. The western side of the resort has a large marina where you’ll find a collection of luxury yachts. This resort is also known for its music festivals, with artists such as Robin Schulz, Marshmallow, and G-Eazy making the lineup. For those looking to experience the Southern California beach scene in a resort-like environment, Newport Dunes has plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy.

Also known as Crystal Cove State Park’s Historic District, Los Trancos Beach is named after the small creek that flows through the sand into the ocean. Its highlight is the colony of dorm-style cottages that have been preserved since their original construction in the 1920s. Although getting to this beach requires a 15-minute hike from the paid parking area, visitors are instantly rewarded with this unique combination of natural and architectural beauty.

Located in the Corona del Mar neighborhood in Newport Beach in Southern California, Little Corona del Mar Beach is popular for its plentiful activities and unique landscape that protects the beach from swells and surf.

Located at the western end of Newport Beach Municipal Beach, West Newport Park Beach is a wide sandy beach known for its nearby sports facilities and park. The beach is usually uncrowded and a great place to enjoy some friendly competition with friends or family. 

Located in the city of Newport Beach, Newport Harbor Patrol Beach is a very small, narrow, and remote beach in the Corona Del Mar area of the city. Newport Harbor Patrol Beach is managed by the OC Beaches and Parks Department and is situated at the Orange County Harbor Patrol facility.

Located in the northern region of Crystal Cove State Park between Pelican Point and the park’s historic district at Los Trancos Beach, Pelican Point Beach is surrounded by blufftop trails and scenic views. Other amenities include tide pools, a campground, paved bike paths, as well as restrooms and showers at the trailheads. To find the beach, you can drive into the park entrance that is titled "Pelican Point Area", which is where Newport Coast Drive intersects with Pacific Coast Highway. Free parking is located on the beachside of Pacific Coast Highway.